Grandmother perks a brow. “Would you though? You've had plenty of opportunities to talk to Maya. She's been around for six months.”
“She thinks you have something against her,” Mother pouts slightly. “I mean, she's going to be your sister-in-law eventually. Rather soon actually. Erasmus is thinking of proposing soon.”
I lower my head and sit back down in my seat. “I'm happy for them.” I grab the breaker of orange juice and pour some in my cup, hoping to direct attention elsewhere.
“Are you still worried about being soulmateless?” Grandmother murmurs, standing above my seat.
I shake my head as if my straining eyes aren't giving the truth away. I take a deep breath, trying to suppress the green glow away. There's no need to be jealous of my brother. I should be proud. “No. I'm not.”
“Your eyes are turning green.” From the corner of my eye, Grandmother’s leaning towards me. I don't confirm her statement and instead, remain silent.
My heart is batting at my chest in utter shame. Maybe she seesthat.
Grandmother huffs. “You shouldn't be worried about love. It's time to accept that romance isn't for you and it's okay.”
“Mother!” Mother scolds. “We were just having a good moment!”
“It's the truth, Rose Flower.” Grandmother says. “He needs to put his efforts elsewhere.”
The words stab my heart like a needle. I don't want to miss out on such a beautiful thing.
“Sweet Valley Lily. Look at me.”
I return my gaze to her, noting her pursed lips as she continues. “I know how it feels. You already know I was just in your shoes. I understand being jealous and longing for a soulmate.”
“I know.” I sigh I know it's wrong to try to force love, but damn it, I want it so badly. “That's how you and Grandfather got divorced.”
It's a secret between our family that Grandmother never had a soulmate to begin with. Grandfather was far from the perfect match for her, and yet, Grandmother decided to change and create a soulmate bond to him. In truth, I shouldn't be alive.
“It's more than that. It was torture for him. Forcing love when they don't fit you is just cruel.” Her eyes gloss over as she squeezes my shoulder. “I don't want you to suffer from the guilt I do. I shouldn't have forced a soulmate bond and made him go through that.”
“That's why I've been waiting for the flower to glow, and sensing soulmate bonds. I've told my dates their soulmates if Icould sense them and I think I've taken every rejection well. I take every precaution to make sure I'm not forcing anything.”
“But why even worry and stress yourself when you're soulmateless?” Grandmother’s eyes twinkle with pity. “I'm saying this because I love you. It would be better for you to put your focus elsewhere. Put your focus on your duty as prince - helping people thrive as Cosmo intended.
An ache in my heart radiates throughout the rest of my body. She's right. It's been a dream of mine, but maybe I should abandon it if it's not meant to happen.
“Maybe you'll find that your disappointment is coming from these rumors,” Grandmother shrugs. “Or perhaps you'll find that you don't feel romantic attraction at all.”
I glance away at my juice. Am I just imagining my desires then? I guess it's possible if I'm really not meant for romance.
Mother clears her throat. “I still think you can get someone, dove. I wouldn't-”
“It's fine Mother.” I whisper.
“Dove. It's okay if-”
I blink hard to snap myself from my thoughts.No, I have to make this positive. This is my life. These are just the facts, and they will have to be dealt with. “I'm going to be okay, Mother.” I smile at her. “I'm just not meant to have a soulmate. I'll find a way to make myself comfortable with it! I’ll continue at the orphanage and help with the kingdom.” Then a little girl from the orphanage pops into my mind. “And I could adopt Sabina one day. That life is satisfying enough.”
“That's my Valley Lily!” Grandmother nods quickly. “That's exactly how you should be!”
“Don't worry about me Mother.” I straighten my posture. “I'm not worried about it anymore. There's so much more to do in life anyways.”
She twists her lips. Her glance flicks back and forth as if any other answer would be hidden in my eyes, but eventually she returns my smile. “If you insist.”
My grin only grows. For Mother. I can't have Mother worry too much about me.
“I'm glad we were finally able to resolve that!” Grandmother exclaims. “Unfortunately, the day is always full of unmatched soulmates. Thosebonds aren't going to make themselves.”
